As you well know, Vladimir, only party members live on the first three floors. But I’m sure that once you’ve joined the KGB, you’ll come down in the world.” The concept is original - for this reader at least - although you could maybe think of the film Sliding Doors. The opening, set in Russia, describes the happy family life of a gifted boy whose father is brutally murdered by the KGB, for planning to set up a trade union contrary to the ideology of communist Russia at the time. This, and the brutal treatment of his mother, by an abusive army officer, result in the need for Alexander and his mother, Elena, to make a hasty exit from the native land which now threatens their lives. Arrangements are hurriedly made for them to be smuggled out, in a crate, on a freight ship and it is a toss of the coin which decides whether they climb into one bound for America or one bound for England. Let's start with the end. The last two words - well played. Other that that, this was always the only way to end the parallel lives. Why?” asked Elena in her native tongue. “I’ve never met an Englishman in my life, and I don’t suppose I ever will.” Keratin Complex’s revolutionary technology does not break the hair’s bonds, instead delivering the versatility of smoother, healthier-looking hair that can be styled wavy or straight as desired.

So begins a twin storyline, a storyline that follows them to both locations, or what would have been their lives after chosing which destination. That I found this not at all confusing, so interesting in fact, is the genius, in my opinion, of this author. Where their lives take them will eventually intersect but with very different endings. The last line is a zinger, dare I say brilliant, and I did not see it coming. As this unique story unfolds, both come to realize that to find their destiny they must face the past they left behind as Alexander in Russia. I can go on about the gripes book snobs might find but what's the point? Heads You Win is a great addition to the Archer profile and his loyal fans will enjoy it all the same. If you feel that I've been a little too vague with this review, it's for good reason. There is a dual story that's happening here that deserves to be unfolded by each reader as I had the privilege of doing. I don’t approve of nepotism,” said Alexander, as they strolled across the schoolyard and out onto the street.

Also, if you're going to explore two lives, is it two much to ask to NOT hear basically the same story twice? I mean. Whenever one thing happened to Alex, it would happen to Sasha a chapter or two later. Whether it was getting arrested, or getting married, or going into politics. One political campaign is boring enough for me, but two? Ugh… It was also just all going way too smoothly for these two (until the end), and I never felt invested in their lives. Two stories about a young boy who escaped from Russia could've been so interesting, exploring life in a new country as a refugee, but these two were basically handed everything on a silver platter if you ask me. Colin Powell was the inspiration. His mother Maude, a seamstress from Jamaica, wanted a better life and couldn’t make up her mind whether to set out for the US or UK, and I became fascinated by the concept of what would have happened to the former US Secretary of State if he’d come to Britain. Would he have become a field marshal or the foreign secretary? I doubt it.

Jeffery Archer, you’re an astute writer. In my younger years, I could keep up with your logic. You made me work for this one. I loved every line of itJeffrey Archer is called a master story teller for a reason. His books are captivating and spellbinding. This one is no exception. I enjoy thrillers and I usually don’t like to read historical books or overly political books, but when it comes to Archer, the genre becomes irrelevant and the story is all that matters. I have devoured every novel and short story he’s ever published and never have I been disappointed.